At this time of year, we’re thankful for all the blessings in our lives, including food. But although there’s an abundant supply out there, not everyone can get to it. This past week we attended a RED Group session (Regional Economic Development), where some of the brightest policy people in Minnesota talked about food access and the difficulties some people have in getting adequate nutritious food, whether it’s because of lack of transportation, income or places to buy it.

Thankful for food

We continue our visit with Anne Murray, education and communications director for SMILES, Southern Minnesota Independent Living Enterprises and Services. This week Anne talks about the power of working together. Many nonprofit organizations working together in a community helps to serve all their clients better, and so supporting even just one organization and its volunteers supports all of them.

Nonprofits and community impact, pt 2

Nonprofits have a wider impact than just their mission and just their community, says Anne Murray, education and communications director for SMILES, Southern Minnesota Independent Living Enterprises and Services. When nonprofits provide services and cooperate with other nonprofits to strengthen one part of the community, the results produce a ripple effect affecting other parts of the community and the economy.

Nonprofits and community impact

Crow Wing County administrator Tim Houle joins us again to talk some more about the many ways our public employees make our lives better that we take for granted.

In praise of unsung heroes, pt 2